Mourinho deserves chance to rebuild career, says Drogba

Didier Drogba has backed former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to re-establish himself as one of the world's finest coaches.

Jose Mourinho deserves a chance to rebuild his reputation following his departure from Manchester United, according to Didier Drogba.

Mourinho's tenure at Old Trafford came to an end in December after a run of two wins in eight matches in all competitions, a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool proving the final straw for United's hierarchy.

United's style of play under the Portuguese was often criticised for being too negative and there were suggestions some of his squad had downed tools after losing faith in their manager's methods.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Mourinho on an interim basis and has enjoyed a sensational run of 14 wins in 18 matches – only losing twice.

United's revival under the Norwegian continued in the Champions League last week as they became the first club to overturn a 2-0 first-leg home defeat to progress, the Red Devils beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 at the Parc des Princes to reach the quarter-finals.

The upturn in fortunes at United has led to more criticism of Mourinho's handling of the club's star players, but that has not stopped him being linked with a return to Real Madrid to replace Santiago Solari.

And Drogba – who played for the 56-year-old during two spells at Chelsea – believes Mourinho deserves the opportunity to prove himself as one of the best.